The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, together with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is undertaking a thorough review of the environmental conditions surrounding coal mining operations in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, as part of its commitment to environmental protection and responsible resource management.
Present during the site inspection were Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Board Member Atam Sarse Jr., Board Member Sambog, and Board Member Causing.
According to Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Atam Sarse Jr., Committee Chairperson on Environment and Natural Resources, a recent site inspection revealed conditions typically associated with mining activities, including the stripping of surface areas.
“What we observed is consistent with mining operations where the surface of the mountain is stripped. We are now looking into where the residual materials were placed and how the reforestation program is being implemented, as these are among our primary environmental concerns,” Sarse said.
The inspection team also noted the presence of several water catchment areas within the site. While existing catch basins were observed, further clarification is being sought on water treatment processes prior to discharge.
“We saw several water catchments and water basins, and the condition appears manageable in those areas. However, we will need to review how water is treated before it is released into public water outlets,” he added.
Atam further shared that no visible nursery or reforestation activities were observed during the site visit, prompting the provincial government to seek clarification from the company regarding its tree-planting and rehabilitation initiatives.
“We did not see any plant nursery during the inspection. We will be asking where their tree seedlings are and where reforestation activities have begun, as these were not evident in the areas we visited. These are among the environmental concerns we will raise,” he explained.
Beyond environmental compliance, the provincial government will also review the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to ensure alignment with community development goals.
The mining company or its representatives will be formally invited to address these concerns. Due to scheduling constraints during the Christmas season, the hearing is tentatively set for the second week of January, subject to the availability of the concerned Sangguniang Panlalawigan committees.
The provincial government emphasized that the review process forms part of its ongoing efforts to balance economic activity with environmental sustainability and community welfare.
